Category: The Car Biz

Chris Bangle's BMW designs are often criticized and always distinctive. Criticized, yes. And now they are imitated. New cars from as diverse manufacturers as Lexus, Mercedes and even Hyundai have aped the BMW hallmark Bangle Butt. In fact, in profile, the upcoming Lexus LS460 looks like a 7-Series.

Chris Bangle's BMW designs are often criticized and always distinctive. Criticized, yes. And now they are imitated. New cars from as diverse manufacturers as Lexus, Mercedes and even Hyundai have aped the BMW hallmark Bangle Butt. In fact, in profile, the upcoming Lexus LS460 looks like a 7-Series.

Dunlop launches podcasts to develop communications link with enthusiast drivers

Honda announces addition of a new North American assembly plant while Kia defers a new plant due to a Korean management scandal. Pressure on American manufacturers increases.

Volkswagen's new Eos competes with some mainstream and some luxury four-seat convertibles.

Owners of Japanese brand vehicles rate their cars or trucks at the top of their category in ten of nineteen AutoPacifc categories. Owners of European brand vehicles rated their vehicle tops in two categories - Volkwagen Passat in the Premium Mid-Size Car Category and the MINI Cooper in the Image Compact Car class. The American Big Three had five wins... Lincoln Navigator won it all with the highest rating of any vehicle - car or truck; Cadillac CTS, Mercury Milan, Chevrolet Corvette, Chevrolet Silverado Heavy Duty. OK, that leaves two winners unaccounted for... those are from Hyundai.

Lexus LS430 wins AutoPacific 2006 Vehicle Satisfaction Award

Volkswagen Passat wins AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Award

Cadillac CTS wins AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Award

Mercury Milan wins AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Award